The next post is an autographed upgrade of the first pro hockey player to follow me when I had less than 20 followers (and I finally found an official card of his!), Mike Chen @mikechen04 - 

1. Mike is an undersized, smooth skating and puck moving Chinese American defenseman from Rockville, Maryland. He started playing hockey at a local rink but got hooked when his team played at the MCI Center before an @capitals game. 

2. Mike was a standout in his home state, playing AAA for Team Maryland from Bantam through Juniors. 

3. After two seasons in the EJHL and @nahlhockey, Mike played 4 years of @ncaaicehockey, first with @cuwfalcons and then with @ssu_mensicehockey. He racked up 32 points in 89 career college games. 

4. Mike’s pro career started in the @thesphl with the @knoxvilleicebears in 2017-18, where he notched 29 points in 46 games. That earned him a call up with the @echlhockey @scstingrayshockey, and he scored 4 points in 11 games. The following season, he racked up 8 points in 44 games for the Rays.

 

5. Thereafter, Mike went overseas in 2019-20 to play for the @krschina minor team, @krs_bsu_vhl (scoring 11 points in 27 games). He has since returned to North America, where he suited up for the @pcolaiceflyers scoring 14 points in 31 games during the shortened 2020-21 season, and the @readingroyals in 2021-22, where he recorded 7 points in 34 games in the Coast. He is currently signed for another season with the Royals.

Mike is a true professional who cherishes his opportunity to play the sport he loves for a living. He once said, “Remember, it’s the greatest sport on the Earth and you have a chance to play it. Have a smile on your face when you are doing it and take the opportunities that you have and make the best of them.” I’m also grateful for Mike’s thoughtful note and hanzi signature.